Inspired by a Swami at the Rotary Intercity

By Ashok Thussu
Ashok.thussu@gmail.com

Where do we find peace? that elusive joy

Bandied about by each and all, this toy
Peace in this world? all we see is conflict
And hate and pain do we constantly inflict

The seed resides, if we find it, within our head

If it is within, it will spread out, all suffering dead
For if your mind is at peace, more minds it will find
And growing, emancipated groups, hate it will ever grind

But conflict survives, whence does it come?

By saying, this is how it is and how it should be done
On claims; this is right, and the other is wrong
These essays of confusion transferred to the throng

But natural truths are single they brook no debate

Such positives then are the values to cultivate
Love is universal, hunger, laughter are real
And following such good values is the best deal

These are universal, unchallenged, without contest

Anything not ending in shared joy does fail the test
Creating all pervading happiness, whenever fulfilled
And if such is not natural, it is by ego then, instilled

Alas one inescapable truth is that life is uncertain

So to another dimension this raises the curtain
And duvidha all must encounter, in life, this doubt
In our minds at such time prayer does it grout!

We pray then for deliverance and for success

Whatever we call the powers, in our minds inner recess
Reaching out to the powers, pray for what we desire
And so into remembering god thus we transpire

I call him by many names, ultimately almighty

And the other friends calls him God almighty
And my other friend prays, and calls him Allah
And thence emerge definers of faith, priest and mullah

Note then that the truth remains an omnipresent god

The ways to reach him are separate paths we all trod
Based only on faith for deliverance, there is no strife
But the different paths are the ones that cause the cries

The challenging of pathways is the root of conflict

Of hatred, of violence, of intolerance derelict
Not god, not values, but the ways and means take root
Then clever people run away with your mind and foot

Actions and madness of groups clamour and resound

Still never will anything but peace, ever gain ground
If you just pause to cleanse, move to the core of the thought
And instantly from dangers and evil you will have fought

The Almighty placed in our body a brain and heart

The heart is for gentle deeds not for conflict’s start
The brain is not for scheming, it is for intellect’s gain
Shun therefore the rabble rouser, all they cause is pain

Shut hatred, cultivate peace in your inner mind

Suddenly then one day merging paths you will find
Remember that peace is what everyone treasure most
If inwardly serene, you will not let go of it at any cost